Understanding Insurance Adjusters’ Tactics in New Jersey Car Accident Claims
You’re barely out of the ER. Your car’s still sitting in a tow yard. And already, someone from the insurance company is calling you. They sound nice—maybe even helpful. But here’s the truth: insurance adjusters aren’t working for you. Their job is to save the company money. And that means paying you as little as possible.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Monmouth County, it takes an experienced injury attorney to protect your rights. In this post, we’ll walk through the most common tactics insurance adjusters use and how Noonan & McMahon can help.
Why Insurance Adjusters Call So Quickly
It’s no accident that adjusters reach out within a day or two after the crash. They know this is when you’re overwhelmed, stressed, and probably not thinking about long-term legal strategy. They want to catch you before you’ve spoken to a lawyer—or even fully seen a doctor.
The earlier they talk to you, the more likely they are to get information they can use to limit your claim. You’re not legally required to speak to the other driver’s insurance company right away. And you’re definitely not required to give them a recorded statement on the spot.
Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics
1. Acting Like They’re on Your Side
Adjusters are trained to sound warm, casual, and trustworthy. They might ask how you’re feeling. They might say things like, “We just want to help you get this taken care of quickly.”
But don’t forget—they represent the insurance company, not you. Their goal is to settle your claim fast and cheap. They might even steer you away from getting legal advice, suggesting that an attorney will only “complicate things.” That’s a red flag.
2. Asking for a Recorded Statement
You might hear something like, “We just need a quick recorded statement for our file.” It might sound harmless. But once it’s recorded, that statement becomes evidence—and it can be picked apart later.
Even saying something innocent like “I’m okay” can be twisted into a claim that you weren’t really hurt. Or if you forget a detail and later correct it, they could say your story changed. You have every right to decline a recorded statement or delay it until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
3. Offering a Quick Settlement
Sometimes, the insurance company will offer you money just days after the crash. That check might look tempting, especially if you’re missing work and medical bills are already rolling in.
But here’s the catch: once you accept a settlement, that’s it. You can’t ask for more later, even if you discover new injuries or need additional treatment. Early offers are often far below what your claim is really worth. Take your time, seek medical opinions, and familiarize yourself with your rights before signing anything.
4. Blaming You for the Crash
In some cases, the adjuster may shift from a friendly to a firm tone. They might suggest you were partially at fault—even if that’s not true. Maybe you “should have been going slower” or “could have avoided the other car.” They may rely on vague police reports or use gaps in your medical treatment to argue you weren’t seriously hurt.
Why does this matter? In New Jersey, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover anything. And if you’re partially at fault, your compensation is reduced. That’s why adjusters are trained to find ways to shift blame onto you.
How to Protect Yourself
You don’t need to be rude or combative, but you do need to be careful. Here’s what you can do:
- Don’t rush into giving a statement. You’re allowed to take your time.
- Stick to the facts. Don’t guess, speculate, or talk about fault.
- Don’t discuss your injuries right away. Seek medical care and receive a thorough diagnosis first.
- Keep everything documented. Save emails, claim numbers, and notes from every call.
- Consult a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can deal with the insurance company for you and make sure you’re not taken advantage of.
Talk to a Monmouth County Car Accident Attorney
Dealing with a car accident is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to stress about saying the wrong thing or accepting a lowball offer just to get by. At Noonan & McMahon, LLC, we deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to receive the support and compensation you deserve.